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When it comes to ageing, the sun is our number one enemy.

We chat to Ken Lee, NIVEA Scientific Affairs Manager, who makes understanding UVA and UVB easy, and gives us the lowdown on preventing premature ageing and minimising pre-existing wrinkles.

So what’re you waiting for? Get reading and face the future armed with the sun smarts you need!

Like visible light, UV radiation is one tiny part of the sun’s electromagnetic spectrum that reaches Earth. Unlike light however, we can’t see UV radiation (well, at least not without some hardcore equipment). We know to protect ourselves from the sun when it’s a sunny day, but because we can’t see extreme UV radiation, we often expose ourselves to it without even realising.
And unfortunately, much of the damage that leads to premature ageing arises from this inadvertent, incidental exposure.

To understand exactly how the damage occurs, we first need a mini lesson in physics. UV radiation carries a certain amount of energy, dependant on the length of its wavelength. The relatively long wavelengths (known as UVA) carry less energy but are able to penetrate the skin more, while the shorter ones (UVB) have a higher energy but penetrate the skin to a lesser degree.

So, when UVB radiation – with its shorter wavelength but higher energy – reaches our body, it hits the upper layers of the skin causing surface damage such as thickened skin, redness, sunburn, and pigmentation. On the other hand, UVA radiation – with its longer wavelength but relatively lower energy – penetrates deeper into the skin where it has a more sinister effect, resulting in indirect pigmentation, the formation of skin cancers, and the destruction of the collagen bonds, elastin and DNA that keeps us looking younger.

UV rays are pretty underhanded and often the damage they cause doesn’t appear until later in life – but that’s not to say that all hope is lost if up until now you’ve been a bit slack on the old ‘slip, slop, slap’.

Misgivings of our youth aside, from this day forward you can still help to prevent the acceleration of ageing by being more smart about sun exposure. All it takes is little steps – incorporate a moisturiser with UV filters, such as NIVEA Visage DNAge Cell Renewal Anti-Age System Day Cream, into your daily routine, switch your regular gloss for one with an SPF when hitting the beach, and always remember to apply (and re-apply!) your sunscreen when spending time outdoors enjoying our great Aussie lifestyle.

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, avoiding smoking and excess alcohol consumption, and keeping your skin well hydrated will also help to prevent the early signs of ageing.

Unfortunately ageing is inevitable (can someone please invent a perpetual youth elixir already?), but for those trying to minimise pre-existing fine lines and wrinkles, help is still at hand. Over and above sticking to the sun protection steps mentioned earlier, using a cream-based, nourishing cleanser (as opposed to a foam wash or gel) specifically designed for more mature skin can help produce a ‘softened’ effect, making existing wrinkles appear fuller and more restored. Try: NIVEA Visage Vital Triple Action Soy+ Nourishing Wash Cream.

Member Comments
(30)

this was a really good read, thank you. I just wish sunscreen didn't go greasy in the sun! I have to slather it on my arms and face because I burn very easily.

Posted on:
February 15, 2010 (Feb 15, 2010 8:02am)

Posted by:
melmeko
(Member since 2007, Australia)

I can only use zinc based sun protection these days the chemical versions just irritate my skin :)

Posted on:
February 15, 2010 (Feb 15, 2010 8:58am)

Posted by:
Jess84
(Member since 2007, Australia)

It scares me to think about all the times in the past that I have been a bit careless and not protected myself from the sun as I should have.

Posted on:
February 15, 2010 (Feb 15, 2010 10:24am)

Posted by:
oliveoil
(Australia)

I've always been curious about Nivea products. Some, like the Aqua Sensation Moisturizing Gel Cream, only say it has UVA/UVB filters in their packaging but don't specify how much (SPF) or what active ingredient they have. This confusion is what has prevented me from trying some of their products. So are filters just as potent as the usual sunblock/sunscreen?

Posted on:
February 15, 2010 (Feb 15, 2010 10:48am)

Posted by:
Blissful Beauty
(Member since 2007, Australia)

I agree, Oliveoil. I've enjoyed using Nivea's Aqua Sensation in the past (usually at night). However, haven't bought another due to being unsure of its level of SPF protection. : )

Posted on:
February 15, 2010 (Feb 15, 2010 11:04am)

Posted by:
southcoastclare
(Australia)

I've already had one spot cut out of my forearm, so i have an ugly scar to remind me, daily the importance of SPF in our beauty products.

Posted on:
February 15, 2010 (Feb 15, 2010 11:44am)

Posted by:
DanniiBeauty
(Australia)

great article and such a interesting topic!

Posted on:
February 15, 2010 (Feb 15, 2010 1:42pm)

Posted by:
softness
(Member since 2007, Australia)

I ♥ sunscreens

Posted on:
February 15, 2010 (Feb 15, 2010 2:21pm)

Posted by:
pinkheart
(Australia)

Thank you so much for this imformative article BH! I always see UVA and UVB being talked about and related to particular sunscreen products, however, I never really knew how they effect our skin. I absolutely agree that the sun is our no1. enemy. I always use sunscreen when I'm out as I get red skined easily.

Posted on:
February 15, 2010 (Feb 15, 2010 3:35pm)

Posted by:
Dragonflygirl1
(Australia)

very interesting information, i have learned a few things.

Posted on:
February 15, 2010 (Feb 15, 2010 8:56pm)

Posted by:
Chrissynick
(Australia)

Might try out some of the spf mositurisers. I really need to remember to look after my skin. I'm so fair that just a short trip in the sun is enuogh to burn me!

Posted on:
February 16, 2010 (Feb 16, 2010 12:05am)

Posted by:
jewl
(Australia)

Awesome information here! I

Posted on:
February 16, 2010 (Feb 16, 2010 1:18pm)

Posted by:
Freojen64
(Australia)

Thanks for the info, I burn easily so am always on the look out for new sunscreen.

Posted on:
February 16, 2010 (Feb 16, 2010 2:01pm)

Posted by:
Freojen64
(Australia)

Thanks for the info, I burn easily so am always on the look out for new sunscreen.

Posted on:
February 16, 2010 (Feb 16, 2010 2:01pm)

Posted by:
Schmeggyroo
(Australia)

I learnt a lot of new things from this article! It's great to hear the detail behind why burning and damage happen, not just that they happen. I've been using the SPF30 body sunscreen from Arbonne, and it's fantastic for not giving that greasy feel =) Would definitely recommend it!

Posted on:
February 16, 2010 (Feb 16, 2010 2:19pm)

Posted by:
Annyex.
(Australia)

Very informative! Saved it as Favourites!

Posted on:
February 16, 2010 (Feb 16, 2010 2:59pm)

Posted by:
Frilly
(Australia)

It is so good to know it is never too late but prevention is always better

Posted on:
February 16, 2010 (Feb 16, 2010 3:06pm)

Posted by:
sugarx
(Member since 2008, Australia)

love that BH is promoting SUN PROTECTION!!! HEHE!!

Posted on:
February 16, 2010 (Feb 16, 2010 5:12pm)

Posted by:
Melanieandpabz
()

Thankyou for the info! very interesting! xx

Posted on:
February 16, 2010 (Feb 16, 2010 5:53pm)

Posted by:
MaxPower
(Australia)

Good to see the difference between UVA/UVB and like that there's extra tips here for us with already mature, sundamaged skin.

Posted on:
February 16, 2010 (Feb 16, 2010 6:01pm)

Posted by:
helenmaree
(Australia)

girls yes be careful in the sun i am 39 and in my teens and early twenties spent all my time in the sun unprotected i have spent thousands on laser therapy trying to repair sun damage,please look after yourselves in the sun

Posted on:
February 16, 2010 (Feb 16, 2010 9:54pm)

Posted by:
GoddessMagick
(Member since 2007, Australia)

I hear you helenmaree, Wish we knew about the damage the sun can cause years back when I was younger, would have made a huge difference. Great info!

Posted on:
February 17, 2010 (Feb 17, 2010 12:23am)

Posted by:
Pandr134
(Australia)

I have always protected my skin from the sun, and it has paid off, but now I hear that people especially children are getting Vitamin D deficiences from having 30 plus Sunscreens applied all the time. Dr Oz suggests that we go for a short period every day without Suncreen. So confusing what do others think?

Posted on:
February 17, 2010 (Feb 17, 2010 3:40pm)

Posted by:
VivaliciousChic
(Australia)

My skin burns so easily, so before going out i've always make the effort to slap on as much sunscreen as possible. But i didnt use Nivea, as it leaves white streaks on me and very sticky too. I use Le tan's instead. Sorry Nivea! i know this article is about you guys.